Open Heaven 11 April 2018 Wednesday – OVERCOMING MOUNTAINS

Open Heaven 11 April 2018 Memorise:Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it. Zechariah 4:7

Read: Matthew 21:19-22 (KJV) Open Heavens 11 April 2018

19 And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.

20 And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away!

21 Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.

22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

Open Heaven 11 April 2018

Bible in one year: Joshua 18-19, 2nd Thessalonians 1-2

Hymnal: Sing Hymn 10

MESSAGE – OPEN HEAVEN 11 APRIL 2018 WEDNESDAY DAILY DEVOTIONAL

There are several ways of dealing with mountains, and today we will be considering seven of these. The first option we will consider is to turn back. You can say that because a mountain is blocking your way to success, you will no longer move forward. This was the negative attitude of the children of Israel in Numbers 14:1-4. The second way is to walk around the mountain, thereby wasting time and effort. For those who are born of God, going round a mountain is not an option. Our Father’s desire for us is to always move forward, in spite of what lies ahead of us. This is why He commanded Moses to charge the children of Israel to move forward, in spite of the Red Sea in front of them (Exodus 14:15). You will move forward today in Jesus’ Name. The third way of dealing with mountains is to climb them. This may require a lot of effort but it is still better than going round in circles, and it is far better than going back. The fourth way you can deal with a mountain is to bore through the mountain or dig a tunnel through it. when Moses lifted up his hands before the Red Sea, God caused the east wind to blow all through the night, and this created a way in the sea for the children of Israel to pass through (Exodus 14:21). Just as the east wind blew to create a road for the children of Israel through the sea, creating a tunnel through a mountain will require the assistance of the Holy Spirit. The fifth way to deal with a mountain is to blast it out of the way. In Joshua 6:20, when the children of Israel came face-to-face with the wall of Jericho, the Lord instructed them to shout. They did, and not only did the wall fall, it was shattered and reduced to nothing. Indeed, God sent dynamite from heaven to blast the whole wall down. The sixth way we can deal with mountains is to relocate them. In Mark 11:22-23, the Lord says that if you have faith in God, you can command a mountain to change its position or get out of your way, and it will obey you.

OPEN HEAVENS 11 APRIL 2018 WEDNESDAY

The seventh way of dealing with mountains is to fly over them. In this scenario, although the mountain is still there, you don’t want to turn back, neither do you want to walk around it, struggle to climb it or dig through it. Maybe you don’t want to blast it because you want to use it as a reference point in future, and you don’t even want to bother relocating it; all you want to do is to fly over it. According to Isaiah 40:31; the condition you need to fulfil for you to experience this great feat is to wait upon the Lord. Are you ready to wait upon the Lord? The good news is that this is the easiest way for you to deal with mountains, and it is at your disposal if only you can wait upon the Lord.

Action Point – Open Heaven 11 April 2018

To deal with any mountain before you, consider the seven ways of dealing with mountains we have discussed; choose an effective method from them and do what is required of you.

OPEN HEAVEN 11 APRIL 2018 WEDNESDAY HYMN

SING HYMN 10 – MY FAITH LOOKS UP TO THEE

My faith looks up to Thee,

Thou Lamp of Calvary,

Savior divine!

Now hear me while I pray

Take all my guilt away

Oh, let me from this day

Be wholly Thine!

May Thy rich grace impart

Strength to my fainting heart

My zeal inspire!

As Thou hast died for me,

Oh, may my love to Thee

Pure, warm, and changeless be,

A living fire!

While life’s dark maze I tread,

And griefs around me spread,

Be Thou my guide;

Bid darkness turn to day,

Wipe sorrow’s tears away,

Nor let me ever stray

From Thee aside

When ends life’s transient dream,

When death’s cold, sullen stream

Shall o’er me roll;

Blest Savior, then in love

Fear and distrust remove;

Oh, bear me safe above,

A ransomed soul!

Open Heaven 10 April 2018 Tuesday – THE BENEFITS OF MOUNTAINS

Open Heaven 10 April 2018 Memorise:Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: Isaiah 40:4

Read: Acts 8: 1-8 Open Heavens 10 April 2018

1 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.

2 And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.

3 As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.

4 Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.

5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.

6 And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.

7 For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.

8 And there was great joy in that city.

Open Heaven 10 April 2018

Bible in One year: Joshua 15 -17, I Thessalonians 5

Hymnal: Sing Hymn 6

OPEN HEAVEN 10 APRIL 2018 TUESDAY DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Whenever we talk about mountains, the first thing that comes to mind is a big problem. However, mountains can be useful.  Do you realise that mountains can be God’s own way of advertising you? For example, the people of Israel didn’t know who David was until Goliath came on the scene and propelled him into limelight. Mountains, in the form of a big problem, can also be God’s own way of asking you to come closer to Him.

A good example of this is found in Acts 12. When King Herod killed James, the church didn’t do anything about it, but when he grabbed Peter, the church suddenly realized that if they did not do something about the opposition from the power that be, they would all be dead soon. As a result, they prayed to God without ceasing until He did something about the situation (Acts 12:5).

OPEN HEAVEN 10 APRIL 2018

The mountain can help you discover your potential. You may never discover your calling or the substance of your character until you are faced with big problems. Philip didn’t know he was to be an evangelist; he thought he was doing fine as a deacon.

However, he discovered his calling as an evangelist after the devil moved Saul of Tarsus to begin to throw Christians into prison and his friend, Stephen, was killed. He fled to Samaria where he served as an evangelist, and he brought great joy to the whole city.

You may never know what is in you until you come face to face with a big problem. The most important thing about mountains is that the size of your mountain determines the size of your destiny: the bigger the mountain, the bigger your destiny.

Whenever the annual convention of our church is very close, our parishes send volunteers to clean up the Redemption camp. One day, I was going round inspecting different parts of the camp from morning till evening. When it was evening, I was very tired and so I called my family together for prayers so that I could retire to bed. I prayed a very short prayer, went to bed and fell asleep immediately.

As soon as I fell asleep, my wife came and woke me up. I said to her “oh woman, leave me alone; I am tired!” She replied, “One of the volunteers that came from your village is dead!” Hearing this, all my tiredness disappeared and I got up in a hurry. I quickly gathered the prayer warriors for a serious prayer session.

After about an hour God said to me “I thought you were tired?” He then instructed me to dismiss the prayers warriors because I was the one He wanted to speak with. I released the prayer warriors and continued to pray. As I prayed, the one who was dead come back to life. Hallelujah! Your mountains will bring you to great destiny, in Jesus’ Name.

Prayer Point – Open Heaven 10 April 2018

Father, Please turn the mountains confronting me into stepping stones to my promotion today.

OPEN HEAVEN 10 APRIL 2018 TUESDAY HYMN

SING HYMN 6 – A NEW THING

(Tune: There shall be showers of Blessing)

We will soon shout Halleluiah

Because God will do new things

Sinners will be forgiven

Prodigals will come home soon.

Chorus:

Shout Hallelujah

Because God will do new things

Rivers in desert now flowing

Hallelujah to our king.

We will soon shout Hallelujah

Because God will do new things

Sickness and sorrow will be gone

Bondage will be forgotten.

We will soon shout Hallelujah

Because God will do new things

The barren will be faithful soon

Failure will be forgotten.

We will soon shout Hallelujah

Because God will do new things

Poverty will be forgotten

Stagnancy will soon be gone.

We will soon shout Hallelujah

Because God will do new things

To all miracles are given

There shall be celebrations

We will soon shout Hallelujah

Because God will do new things

Many will have testimonies

Of prayer answered fully.

We will soon shout Hallelujah

Because God will do new things

One of us will chase a thousand

Two will conquer ten thousand

We will soon shout Hallelujah

Because God will do new things

Songs of praises we will sing

Hallelujah to our King.

Prayer Points on Today’s Open Heavens: (Monday, April 9, 2018) – Wonders Of Divine Blessings 4

Open Heaven 9 April 2018

1.Thank you, Father, for the salvation of my soul.

2.Thank you, Jesus for the supreme price that you paid for the redemption of my soul.

3.Thank you, Jesus, for leaving your glory in heaven, to grant me forgiveness and to reconcile me back to the Father.

4.Thank you, Father, for the gift of eternal life and the countless number of souls that have been delivered through the blood that was shed at Calvary.

5.Father, in anyway, l have fallen short of your glory, please, have mercy and forgive me, in Jesus’ name.

6.Father, please, cleanse me from all unrighteousness and blot out all my transgressions, in Jesus’ name.

7.Father, grant me total and complete victory over sin and all the activities of the flesh, in Jesus’ name.

8.Father, uphold me till the end by your right hand of righteousness; please, don’t let me ever go back to my vomit, in Jesus’ name.

9.Father, as many who are yet to accept your son, Jesus Christ, as their Lord and Saviour, please, grant them the grace to do so, before, it becomes too late for them, in Jesus’ name.

10.Father, defend and protect your Church; do not allow the gates of hell to prevail over the body of Christ, in Nigeria and in all the Nations of the world, in Jesus’ name.

11.Father, preserve, Pastor E.A. Adeboye, without blemish and undefiled, till the end, in Jesus’ name.

12.Your Personal petitions.
( Philippians 4:6)
13.In Jesus’ name I pray.
(John 14:13-14; 15:16)
14.Thank you Father for answered prayers.
(1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Open Heaven 8 April 2018 Sunday – WONDERS OF DIVINE BLESSINGS III

Open Heaven 8 April 2018 Memorise:Behold, I will bring it health and cure, and I will cure them, and will reveal unto them the abundance of peace and truth.Jeremiah 33:6

Read: 2 Kings 20:1-11 Open Heaven 8 April 2018

1 In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him, and said unto him, Thus saith the Lord, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live.

2 Then he turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto the Lord, saying,

3 I beseech thee, O Lord, remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore.

4 And it came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle court, that the word of the Lord came to him, saying,

5 Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people, Thus saith the Lord, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the Lord.

6 And I will add unto thy days fifteen years; and I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria; and I will defend this city for mine own sake, and for my servant David’s sake.

7 And Isaiah said, Take a lump of figs. And they took and laid it on the boil, and he recovered.

8 And Hezekiah said unto Isaiah, What shall be the sign that the Lord will heal me, and that I shall go up into the house of the Lord the third day?

9 And Isaiah said, This sign shalt thou have of the Lord, that the Lord will do the thing that he hath spoken: shall the shadow go forward ten degrees, or go back ten degrees?

10 And Hezekiah answered, It is a light thing for the shadow to go down ten degrees: nay, but let the shadow return backward ten degrees.

11 And Isaiah the prophet cried unto the Lord: and he brought the shadow ten degrees backward, by which it had gone down in the dial of Ahaz.

Open Heaven 8 April 2018

Bible in one year: Joshua 10-11, 1 Thessalonians 3

Hymnal: Sing Hymn 8

OPEN HEAVEN 8 APRIL 2018 SUNDAY DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Living a healthy life that does not require the attention of physicians is one of the wonders of divine blessings. Although it is commonly said that health is wealth, I am of the opinion that health is much more than wealth because a sickness can drain the entire wealth of a person and lead to penury within six months.

I pray that no sickness, big or small, will plague your life or home in Jesus’ Name. A wealthy person who is equally healthy is very wealthy. For such a fellow, we can say that his or her cup is running over (psalm 23:5). I have often said that while it is a good thing to be healed, to remain healthy is much more wonderful, but beyond these, you are super wealthy when incurable diseases are being brought to you and by the mere lying of your hands on the sick, they get healed. A person walking in this realm is extraordinarily blessed.

So, what happens when someone is extraordinarily blessed? Not only will forces of heaven and earth combine to support such a fellow, he or she will be command these forces to favour those whom he or she wants to be a blessings to. I am enjoying the wonders of divine blessings by the grace of God, I decree over your life today: let the forces of heaven and earth begin to cooperate in support of that venture you have embarked upon in Jesus’ Name. In 2 Kings 20:1-11, Hezekiah was sick and God said he was going to die, but he cried to God that he did not want to die yet, and God granted his request.

The Lord prolonged his life with fifteen more years. In other words, he was healed and became wealthy in health. God also caused the shadow of the sun to return backwards by ten degrees as a sign to indicate this wonder. In other words, the sun cooperated with Prophet Isaiah when he decreed that it should go backwards to bring pass the wonder of recapturing fifteen years already spent by Hezekiah. This is an even greater feat than when Joshua commanded the sun and the moon to stand still (Joshua 10:13).

OPEN HEAVEN 8 APRIL 2018 SUNDAY

In Genesis 27:1-4, Isaac told Esau to prepare his favorite meal so that his soul might bless him. This shows that divine blessing are provoked. You must do something to attract them into your life. In Malachi 3:10, God said “Bring all the tithes into my house, and I will replace every curse with a blessing.” Elisha had the opportunity of asking Elijah what he wanted because he had been a faithful servant to him.

Anyone who wants to be blessed by God and is willing to pay the price would surely be blessed. If you are a sinner, what God requires from you is to give your life to Christ. If you are a child of God, search the scriptures and you will discover that those who were divinely blessed were ardent worshipers and generous givers. God ahead and follow their examples.

Prayer Point – Open Heaven 8 April 2018 Sunday

Father, please give me the heart of a worshiper and make me a generous giver in Jesus’ Name.

OPEN HEAVEN 5 APRIL 2018 THURSDAY HYMN

SING HYMN 8 – THE GREAT PHYSICIAN NOW IS HERE

The Great physician now is near,

The sympathizing Jesus;

He speaks the drooping heart to

cheer,

Oh, hear the voice of Jesus!

Chorus:

Sweetest note in seraph song;

Sweetest name on mortal tongue;

Sweetest carol ever sung:

Jesus, blessed Jesus!

Your many sins are all forgiv’n,

Oh, hear the voice of Jesus;

The veil ‘twixt you and God is

riven,

Redemption wrought by Jesus.

All glory to the dying Lamb!

I now believe in Jesus;

I love the blessed Savior’s name,

I love the name of Jesus.

His name dispels my guilt and

fear,

No other name but Jesus;

Oh, how my soul delights to hear

The precious name of Jesus!

Open Heaven 9 April 2018 Monday – WONDERS OF DIVINE BLESSINGS IV

Open Heaven 9 April 2018 Memorise:Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Psalm 32:1

Read: Luke 7:37-48 Open Heavens 9 April 2018

37 And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment,

38 And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.

39 Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.

40 And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on.

41 There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty.

42 And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?

43 Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.

44 And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.

45 Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet.

46 My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.

47 Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.

48 And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.

Open Heaven 9 April 2018

Bible in one year: Joshua 12-14, 1 Thessalonians 4

Hymnal: Sing Hymn 3

OPEN HEAVEN 9 APRIL 2018 MONDAY DAILY DEVOTIONAL

The greatest of all the wonders of divine blessings comes from the blessing of salvation. What does it mean to be saved? How can one be saved? What are the pertinent questions that we will be considering today.

To be saved is to escape eternal damnation which comes as a result of sin. The Righteous God of heaven has declared every man born of a woman guilty of sin. He made His verdict known in Romans 3:23 which says,

“for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”

Not only has mankind been declared guilty of sin, the punishment that awaits him due to this verdict has also been revealed in Revelation 21:8:

“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”

OPEN HEAVEN 9 APRIL 2018

To be delivered from this declared eternal damnation is nothing short of a wonder of divine blessings. Luke 7:37 – 48 tells the story of the wonder of divine blessings in the life of a forgiven sinner. A woman considered to be a sinner came to acknowledge the saving grace of Jesus Christ, and she did all she could humanly do to express her gratitude to the Saviour of the world, who came to pay the supreme price. The Pharisees were full of indignation because of the act of this woman. They could not understand what it means to be forgiven or what it means to escape eternal damnation. They could not see through what prompted David to pen Psalm 32. The Lord Jesus Christ tried to open their blind eyes of understanding by giving a voice to the actions of this woman. Luke 7:47 says,

“Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.”

Beloved, if you desire the wonders of divine blessings, the most profound of them all come through the blessing of forgiveness. When you give your life to Christ, what the Lord said to the woman in today’s Bible reading, He will say to you:

“Thy sins are forgiven.” Luke 7:48

Whoever wants to enjoy the wonders of divine blessings that last forever must plug himself or herself into the blessedness of forgiveness through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Prayer Point – Open heaven 9 April 2018

Father, I thank you for the forgiveness I receive when I confessed my sins and gave my life to Your Son, Jesus Christ. Please don’t let me be like a dog that returns to its vomit.

OPEN HEAVEN 9 APRIL 2018 MONDAY HYMN

SING HYMN 3 – WHAT CAN WASH AWAY MY SINS

What can wash away my sin?

Nothing but the blood of Jesus;

What can make me whole

again?

Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Chorus:

Oh! Precious is the flow

That makes me white as snow;

No other fount I know,

Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

For my cleansing this I see

Nothing but the blood of Jesus!

For my pardon this my plea

Nothing but the blood of Jesus!

Nothing can my sin erase

Nothing but the blood of Jesus!

Naught of works, ‘tis all of grace

Nothing but the blood of Jesus!

This is all my hope and peace

Nothing but the blood of Jesus!

This is all my righteousness

Nothing but the blood of Jesus

RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER’S MANUAL LESSON THIRTY-TWO SUNDAY, 8TH APRIL 2018: DIVORCE: NOT AN OPTION

*SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN*

*1.* O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
O how I love Thee well,
I am happy, it makes me glad
To rejoice at Thy birth.

*2.* O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, Thy friendship suits me well,
Both young and old will sing Thy song,
We long for Sunday School.

*3.* O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Christ was Thy first teacher,
The Holy Spirit, great teacher,
Does manifest in thee.

*4.* O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
This testimony is sure,
That God, the Father Almighty,
Poured His blessing on Thee.

*5.* O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Though the sun be so bright,
Or if the clouds black with rain,
I’ll be in Sunday School.

*6.* O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
I rejoice to see Thee,
Will thou pass over me today?
Without my being blest?

OPENING PRAYER
Father, we rebuke every evil spirit and the peril of end time behind divorce in the name of Jesus Christ.

MEMORY VERSE: “But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.” Matthew 5:32

BIBLE PASSAGE: Matthew 19:3-13

Matthew:19.3
The Pharisees also came to Him, testing Him, and saying to Him, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for [just] any reason?”
Matthew:19.4
And He answered and said to them, “Have you not read that He who made [them] at the beginning ‘made them male and female,’
Matthew:19.5
“and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’?
Matthew:19.6
“So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.”
Matthew:19.7
They said to Him, “Why then did Moses command to give a certificate of divorce, and to put her away?”
Matthew:19.8
He said to them, “Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, permitted you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so.
Matthew:19.9
“And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery.”
Matthew:19.10
His disciples said to Him, “If such is the case of the man with [his] wife, it is better not to marry.”
Matthew:19.11
But He said to them, “All cannot accept this saying, but only [those] to whom it has been given:
Matthew:19.12
“For there are eunuchs who were born thus from [their] mother’s womb, and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake. He who is able to accept [it,] let him accept [it.”]
Matthew:19.13
Then little children were brought to Him that He might put [His] hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them.

INTRODUCTION:
Divorce is one of the major problems facing homes today. Divorce is granted to the unbelievers for many reasons such as adultery, cruelty, desertion, drunkenness, and neglect to provide, conviction of criteria, separation, bigamy, incompatibility etc. However, is divorce permissible for Christians? Let us approach this this lesson by attempting to an we a number of questions.

TEXT REVIEW: MATTHEW 19:3-13

Whatever thing which was not in the beginning was not from God because God was the beginning. His word was in the beginning. It was in the beginning God created all things including marriage. Gen. 1:1; John 1; Gen. 1:27,28.; 2:18. The “beginning” was not subject to human pressure like Moses who was pressurised by people to give a commandment, to give a bill or writing of divorcement to put the wife away. Matt 19:7-8. Deut 24:1-2 gave the details of the reasons for the bill. However, verse 4 of this chapter even considered certain aspect of the bills as “abominable to God and could lead the land to sin.” The “beginning” Himself said in Matt 19:8 ‘but in the beginning it was not so”. The consequence of doing what God did not say or commanded would be previous. Such act should be avoided. Jesus is the beginning- Rev. 1:8, Therefore, it is wisdom to do what was in the beginning – Prov. 1:7-8.

LESSON OUTLINES
1. Some Common Questions And Answerd
2. Counsel for Partners in a Shaky Marriage

SOME COMMON QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Question 1:
Is there any scriptural ground for divorce?

Answers

i. There’s one and only one one reason and that’s fornication. Matt. 19:9.

Question 2:
What does the word “fornication” mean in this passage?

Answers

i. The basic meaning is illicit sexual relationship with a third party.

Question 3.

i. The “innocent partner” should be ready to forgive the “guilty partner” Matt. 16:14-15.Prov.28:13.

ii. Divorce was not the original plan of God for human beings.

Question 4:
How long is a marriage contract?

Answers
i. Until death breaks it. Matt. 19:6.

ii. In marriage, God performs a miracle when two individuals become one person.

iii. Only God is permitted to break that union by taking one of the partners in death.

Question 5:
Can the ‘innocent partner’ in a divorce re-marry ?

Answers
i. It’s doubtful if there is such a thing as an innocent partner in the sight of God.

ii. It’s most likely that the “innocent” partner had failed in some ways.

Question 6:
Why should people avoid divorce like a plague?

Answers
Divorce represents a tragedy that has undermined the home, the very basic of society.
Misery always follows in its path, broken homes, bruised and broken hearts, bewildered, homeless children, delinquent youth, loneliness, tears and at times suicide or insanity.
The couple should consider the welfare of the children who would suffer most and the shame connected with divorce and the scandals that it engenders.
Many Christians look at divorce as sinful, regardless of the circumstances because it is a public admission of utter failure which belittles the power of Christ. Phil. 4:13
Economic disaster often follows divorce and it is the cause of lack of love and happiness in marriage.

Question 7
Can there be love when there is no respect?

Answers
i. The answer is yes, for God loves the unlovely sinner, whom He cannot respect.

ii. Love that is unselfish and Godly can be deep and powerful even with those whom we cannot respect.

iii. With such a love, our marriages would last for life. 1Pet.4:8

CLASS ACTIVITY 1
Explain how love and respect can mutually grow together.

COUNSELS FOR PARTNERS IN A SHAKY MARRIAGE

QUESTION
What biblical counsels are available for partners in a shaky marriage?

ANSWER

i. The husband and wife should renew their solemn vow of, for better for worse till death do them part.

ii. Both should get it right with the Lord first by returning to the Lord in prayer.

iii. Both should get it right with each other.

iv. Both or offending partner should confess sin and genuinely repent.

v. Mutual sharing and understanding would help marriage work.

vi. Spending quality time in prayer both as individual and couple would work wonders. James 5:16

vii. Husbands should assume the status of responsibility and provide for the Family. 1 Tim 5:8.

viii. Wives should be subject to their husbands. Eph. 5:24

ix. Husbands and wives continue to be attracted to each other in genuine love.

x. Genuine love should be allowed to radiate all through the spheres of the marriage.

xi. Determine in godliness to allow the marriage to work despite odd is a good pill for a recovery.

CLASS ACTIVITY 2 Mention those counsels which couples should avoid or reject in marriage.

SUMMARY
Do not give room or consider divorce was a way out of marriage.

CONCLUSION
Genuine love in marriage covers multitude of sins and prevents eventual break up.

CLOSING PRAYER
Father, let divorce be a thing of the past in our society. Please come and heal broken hearts and marriages.

ASSIGNMENT
Identify five (5) negative counsels which may ruin marriage. Give right counsel to counter such negative counsels.

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TEENS SATURDAY 7TH APRIL 2018: YOU CAN BE HIS WITNESS

MEMORISE: And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom,
but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
1 Corinthians 2:4

Please read: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5

MESSAGE:
As a bonafide member of the Kingdom of God,
you must be a proof of His power to save.

Matthew 1:21 says that Jesus shall save His people from sin. 1 John 1:7 says His blood
cleanses us from all sins. If the power to save was demonstrated in the life of anybody at all, it was in the life of Paul. He could say this because he realised how far he had gone before
Jesus saved him.

What about your life? Can you say that you have observed changes in your life from the time that you received the Lord Jesus Christ?

Where are the evidences of a changed life? Let your life proof that God can transform
lives. The transformation will be brought about by the power of the Holy Spirit. Power simply means
the ability to work. Through the Holy Spirit, you can live a life pleasing and acceptable unto God, and through you, the Spirit of God can work
miracles that will bring others to the Kingdom of God.

Are you ready for God to use you in these last days? Draw closer to the Holy Spirit like
never before.

ACTION POINT:
Win at least one soul to the Lord Jesus Christ
today.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Joshua 20-21
Luke 11:1-28

Hymn 15
1. Wonderful story of love;
Tell it to me again;
Wonderful story of love;
Wake the immortal strain!
Angels with rapture announce it,
Shepherds with wonder receive it;
Sinner, 0h, won’t you believe It?
Wonderful story of love.

Chorus:
Wonderful! Wonderful!
Wonderful, Wonderful story of love.

2. Wonderful story of love,
Though you are far away;
Wonderful story of love;
Still He doth call today;
Calling from Calvary’s mountain,
Down from the crystal-bright fountain,
E’en from the dawn of creation,
Wonderful story of love.

3. Wonderful story of love:
Jesus provides a rest;
Wonderful story of love;
For all the pure and blest,
Rest in those mansions above us,
With those who’ve gone on before us,
Singing the rapturous chorus,
Wonderful story of Love.

Because God will do new things

Sinners will be forgiven

Prodigals will come home soon.

Shout Hallelujah

Because God will do new things

Rivers in desert now flowing

Hallelujah to our king.

We will soon shout Hallelujah

Because God will do new things

Sickness and sorrow will be gone

Bondage will be forgotten.

We will soon shout Hallelujah

Because God will do new things

The barren will be faithful soon

Failure will be forgotten.

We will soon shout Hallelujah

Because God will do new things

Poverty will be forgotten

Stagnancy will soon be gone.

We will soon shout Hallelujah

Because God will do new things

To all miracles are given

There shall be celebrations

We will soon shout Hallelujah

Because God will do new things

Many will have testimonies

Of prayer answered fully.

We will soon shout Hallelujah

Because God will do new things

One of us will chase a thousand

Two will conquer ten thousand

We will soon shout Hallelujah

Because God will do new things

Songs of praises we will sing

Prayer Points on Today’s Open Heavens: (Friday, April 6, 2018) – Wonders of Divine Blessings 1

1.Thank you, Father, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made by You.

2.Thank you, Father, for all your visible and invisible blessings, in my life.

3.Father, in anyway, l have fallen short of your glory, please, have mercy and forgive me, in Jesus’ name.

4.Father, empower me to walk uprightly before you, and to obey you, in all things, in Jesus’ name.

5.Father, let every spirit of lack and poverty, in my life, be terminated and consumed by your fire, in Jesus’ name.

6.Father, please, set me up for your divine blessings, today, in Jesus’ name.

7.Father, let all your promises for my life be timely fulfilled, in Jesus’ name.

8.Father, let the heavens assist the works of my hands, and grant me access to your good treasures, in Jesus’ name.

9.Father, let your blessings that maketh rich without adding sorrow, be my portion today, in Jesus’ name.

10.Father, bless me, make my name great, and make me a blessing to the whole world, in Jesus’ name.

11.Father, arise, and fight all the battles of your son, Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the author of the open heavens daily devotional and general overseer of RCCG, in Jesus’ name.

12.Your Personal petitions.
( Philippians 4:6)
13.In Jesus’ name I pray.
(John 14:13-14; 15:16)
14.Thank you Father for answered prayers.
(1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Open Heaven 6 April 2018 – WONDERS OF DIVINE BLESSINGS I

Open Heavens 6 April 2018 Memorise: The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand. Deuteronomy 28:12a

Read: Genesis 12:1-3 (KJV) Open Heaven 6 April 2018 Friday

1 Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee:

2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:

3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

Open Heaven 6 April 2018 Friday

Bible in one year: Joshua 6-7, Colossians 3:18-4:18

Hymnal: Sing Hymn 6

OPEN HEAVEN 6 APRIL 2018 FRIDAY DAILY DEVOTIONAL

When the Lord commanded Abraham to get out of his country, away from his kindred and out of his father’s house to go to a land that He was yet to show him, little did Abraham know that he was being set up for divine blessings.

God promised him that He would make him a great nation, bless him and make him a blessing. These promises straightaway introduce us to the wonders of divine blessings. How can a man considered barren become a great nation? The answer lies in divine blessings.

OPEN HEAVEN 6 APRIL 2018

When you take a critical look at God’s promises to Abraham in today’s Bible reading, you will discover that when a man is divinely blessed, his friends are also blessed, and conversely, his enemies are in trouble because they will be divinely cursed! Divine blessings will be your portion today in Jesus’ Name.

When a fellow is divinely blessed, it means the blessings are not a result of struggling. Those who don’t know this or who have not experienced divine blessings before will always think that unless you struggle to the point of breaking your back, you cannot make it in life.

This could not be further from the truth! The notion belongs to the realm of the curse of the first Adam which all children of God through the second Adam, Jesus, have escaped from. There was a brother of ours who received a divine blessing, and when he told others about it, they found it too good to be believed.

One of them even said “This is too good to be genuine!” One of the wonders of divine blessings is that it makes people amazed, even to the point of disbelief. How could Abraham who stated as a wanderer become so blessed that he could kill a whole calf to entertain a group of casual visitors numbering only three (Genesis 18:7)? Here is the testimony of Abraham’s servant on the extent of his master’s blessing in Genesis 24:35:

“And the LORD hath blessed my master greatly; and he is become great: and he hath given him flocks, and herbs, and silver, and gold, and menservants, and maidservants, and camels, and asses.”

Heaven will assist a man or a woman that is divinely blessed by sending what he or she needs in due season (Deuteronomy 28:12).

I pray for you that whatever represents rain in your life will fall on you today in Jesus’ Name. However, you must be a friend of God like Abraham, walking with God in complete obedience to make this a reality in your life (Genesis 17:1).

Prayer Point – Open Heaven 6 April 2018 Friday

Father, please let heaven assist the works of my hands, and grant me access to Your good treasures in Jesus’ Name.

OPEN HEAVEN 6 APRIL 2018 FRIDAY HYMN

SING HYMN 6 – A NEW THING

(Tune: There shall be showers of Blessing)

We will soon shout Halleluiah

Because God will do new things

Sinners will be forgiven

Prodigals will come home soon.

Chorus:

Shout Hallelujah

Because God will do new things

Rivers in desert now flowing

Hallelujah to our king.

We will soon shout Hallelujah

Because God will do new things

Sickness and sorrow will be gone

Bondage will be forgotten.

We will soon shout Hallelujah

Because God will do new things

The barren will be faithful soon

Failure will be forgotten.

We will soon shout Hallelujah

Because God will do new things

Poverty will be forgotten

Stagnancy will soon be gone.

We will soon shout Hallelujah

Because God will do new things

To all miracles are given

There shall be celebrations

We will soon shout Hallelujah

Because God will do new things

Many will have testimonies

Of prayer answered fully.

We will soon shout Hallelujah

Because God will do new things

One of us will chase a thousand

Two will conquer ten thousand

We will soon shout Hallelujah

Because God will do new things

Songs of praises we will sing

Hallelujah to our King.